Mozilla CEO Eich resigns following anti-gay marriage bill donation

The CEO of Mozilla has stepped down following controversy over his donation to an anti-gay bill.

Brendan Eich’s $1,000 donation to the Californian gay marriage ban Proposition 8 in 2008 was highlighted earlier this week. Dating site OkCupid drew attention to Eich’s donation by advising those using Mozilla’s Firefox browser to cease using it.

Mozilla’s new CEO, Brendan Eich, is an opponent of equal rights for gay couples,” the statement presented to those who attempted to reach the site using Firefox read. We would therefore prefer that our users not use Mozilla software to access OkCupid.”

Eich’s departurewas announcedby Mozilla executive chairwoman Mitchell Baker, who said: Mozilla prides itself on being held to a different standard and, this past week, we didn’t live up to it. We know why people are hurt and angry, and they are right: it’s because we haven’t stayed true to ourselves."